The public is justifiably outraged over the secrecy surrounding Gov. Snyder’s NERD Fund. Shutting down this slush fund in an attempt to avoid transparency only raises more red flags.

The citizens of Michigan deserve to know who was funding the governor’s top advisor, paying for upgrades to the governor’s house and covering the living expenses for Snyder’s politically appointed bankruptcy expert. Closing the NERD Fund without full disclosure of past donors only begs the question: What is Governor Snyder hiding?

Whether serving in the Michigan Legislature or as State Treasurer, Andy Dillon never had the best interests of working families at heart. The fact that Gov. Snyder appointed him in the first place shows the administration’s commitment to serving corporate special interests.

The timing of this announcement raises questions. Why would Dillon step down now, just as Governor Snyder’s secretive NERD Fund is beginning to receive serious scrutiny? We respect the Dillon family’s need for privacy, but wonder why it wasn’t an issue months ago.

Jerry Young, member of UFCW Local 876, got the word out about the “Working Family Slate” in Monroe.

On October 5, a dozen activists and candidates assembled at the Monroe / Lenawee Central Labor Council (CLC) in downtown Monroe to go into the community and talk to fellow union members about the upcoming City Council elections.

Michigan AFL-CIO President Karla Swift (left) and Monroe/Lenawee Central Labor Council Lee Sharpe (right) were out on Saturday talking to working families about City Council candidates who will put workers first.

After a brief training, folks departed to canvass for the Monroe City Council “Working Families Slate” comprised of candidates who come from a union background and are committed to standing up for working families if elected. The Central Labor Council has endorsed Bronco McKart (UWUA), Jerry McKart (LIUNA), Willie Hall (UAW), Matt Vititoe (UCAN – Community Activist), and Gloria Rafko (MEA/UAW).

Activist and one of the event organizers Jerry Young (UFCW Local 876) had this to say about the day’s events: “It starts here; it starts organizing at the grassroots. This is the way that we can get organized and effect change.”

Monroe / Lenawee Central Labor Council President Lee Sharpe noted how critical the day’s events were, and how organizing is such an important priority, saying, “We are going to show how valuable a CLC endorsement really is and support our union brothers and sisters that are running for office.”

Michigan AFL-CIO President Karla Swift was also there to knock doors and talk to working families. She spoke about the importance of the organizing drives in Monroe and across Michigan.